Traffic stalled on I-80 in both directions in Davis following major wreck.

DAVIS, CA - A fatal crash involving a big rig that hit three vehicles and caught fire forced the closure of Interstate 80 in the area of Old Davis Road Thursday morning.

UPDATE: All lanes were reopened just after 5 p.m. Caltrans will return at 8 p.m. to investigate, closing the far-right westbound lanes.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the driver of a cargo truck in the eastbound lanes was eating when he choked and lost consciousness. His rig struck two vehicles, tore through the center divide and struck a third vehicle head-on in the freeway's westbound lanes.

The truck, straddling westbound lanes, caught fire, as did the BMW it hit last.

The driver and a passenger in the BMW died at the scene, CHP Officer Chris Parker said. Those in the other involved vehicles had minor injuries.

The truck driver was treated at UC Davis Medical for minor injuries and burns. He was talking to CHP investigators. It was unclear if he would face any charges.

Traffic was severely impacted. The CHP and Caltrans reopened the eastbound lanes just after 1 p.m. Westbound lanes were cleared for traffic just after 5 p.m.